Certain key figures of Italian abstraction paved the way for the innovations of conceptualism and pioneered novel approaches that developed throughout the 1960s. Like Lucio Fontana’s slashed canvases and Piero Manzoni’s Achromes, the work of artists such as Enrico Castellani, Agostino Bonalumi and Paolo Scheggi transcended the restrictions of painting, blurring the boundaries between two and three dimensions by shaping, stretching and layering of their canvases. On the other hand, Franco Grignani and Dadamaino attempted the perceptual experiments of Op Art. During the following decade, the ‘Analytical Painting’ was brought to Italian abstraction, rediscovering the aesthetic qualities of pure form and colour, following the conceptual art and Arte Povera.

In compare to famous Italian Renaissance art, Italian abstraction is rather modest and may not be considered a masterpiece, but it is interesting enough for me to see how abstract art is developed and manifested in different culture other than more known French, Russian and American counterparts. I think Evening Standard review is a bit too harsh on them… I don’t think it is bad.

Van Doesburg’s works are kind of gloomy and weak, and I was not so impressed. But the exhibition includes a variety of works by great artists and designers who were influenced by the movement, is quite spectacular. Simple, colorful, and powerful works are still modern and strong, after more than 80 years – I can still feel the energy, and passion of the artists and designers of the art movement that affected the lifestyle and values during the period in turmoil between WWI and WWII. Although van Doesburg had never gained high recognition as an artist in compare to his fellowmen such as Mondrian, but his leadership and efforts to spread his ideal to whole Europe, which led the movement to great success, are the significant achievement that deserves great recognition.

＊今日は、カメラのレンズが汚れていて、綺麗な写真が撮れませんでした。すみません！

＊I didn’t notice that the lens of my camera was dirty, and I couldn’t take a good picture today…sorry!